J.P. Canlis
Glass artist J.P. Canlis has been teased by the idea of a bamboo forest, rendered in glass, for years. It is a vision he has explored a few times in the past, with each instance teaching him a little more about the process and the possibilities.
When J.P. conceptualized the installation at BOKA, he realized he wanted total control over the finished look. He decided to individually sculpt each segment of the bamboo and then adhere them. His “Dancing Portraits” seek to mirror the same perfection and the same fresh, modern feel. Returning to the underlying idea of his auspicious self-portraits, J.P. created the goblets and blown wine bottle to compliment the bold artistry taking place in BOKA.
Working on the BOKA installation has shown him there aren’t many boundaries to glass art. “With the right tools and the right ideas,” J.P. says, “I can do anything."
J.P. followed his dream and attended Alfred University's School of Art and Design program in New York. The study of glass art at Alfred was more conceptual; Alfred was an opportunity to create objects based on his ideas.
During college summer breaks, J.P. attended Pilchuck School in Stanwood, Washington where Martin Blank introduced him to Seattle glass artist, Dale Chihuly. Chihuly hired J.P., on the spot as a hot shop employee and following his Alfred University graduation, Chihuly Studio hired him full time. Concurrently, he pursued his own artwork. Five years later, his desire to assist other artists waned as his drive to pursue his own business (now Canlis Glass) flourished.
People ask with which artist J.P. identifies or to whom his work is compared. J.P. deliberately avoids drawing inspiration from the works of others, nor does he aspire for his work to look like any particular category. Rather, he draws inspiration from nature, most often the ocean.